…as victims of the morning market fire call on government for assistance.
The iNews Times reports that a devastating fire outbreak occurred on Tuesday night at the popular Rumuomasi Morning Market in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in its wake.
The iNews Times gathered that the fire, which started between 7:30PM and 8PM, was triggered by a spark immediately after power was restored.
The inferno swept through the market, destroying goods and properties worth millions of naira.
Scores of traders were left disheartened as they watched their goods go up in flames, with some crying openly in helplessness.
Despite the challenges faced by firefighters from the Federal and Rivers State governments, as well as oil firms, in accessing the main point of the inferno, they eventually managed to put out the fire.
One of the affected traders, Mr. Anthony Chikere, a former Chairman of the Rumuomasi Morning Market, estimated his losses at over N100 million.
Chikere, who deals in wholesale materials, including laces, said he was at home when he received several telephone calls about the incident.
“We closed yesterday and left here some minutes past 6PM to 7PM. Not up to an hour after we got home, we were called that there was a fire incident,” he recounted.
Chikere’s shop, along with several others, was completely destroyed, leaving him with nothing but ashes.
“My shop and those of a lady selling weavon were the major victims on this line because we lost everything,” he said, adding that he sells big laces, Damat, Senator materials, satin materials, and other types of bale materials.
The trader appealed to the state government to assist the victims, saying, “We are calling on the government to come and assist us because things are so rough now. Maybe, the government can help us financially and otherwise. We will appreciate it.” Chikere estimated that he lost goods worth N180 million, including three unopened bales of materials that were recently brought into the shop.
Another victim, Mrs. Nkiru Olisemeka, a widow and mother of four, lost goods worth about N50 million, including cash.
Olisemeka, who trades in foodstuffs, wondered how she would cater for her children, who are in the university. “I’m a widow with four children in the university. Next month will be two years since I lost my husband,” she said, her voice laden with emotion.
“This is what I use to survive and sponsor them. All my goods, everything, was burnt down,” she tearfully said, adding that she had planned to pay someone N500,000 on Wednesday, but now she was left with nothing.
The state police command has confirmed the incident and launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire.
The police maintained a vigil at the scene to prevent miscreants from taking advantage of the situation to loot goods and other items.
As the people of Rivers State come to terms with the devastating fire, many are calling on the government to provide assistance to the victims.
The incident has left the traders and the community in shock, with many wondering how they will recover from the losses.
